The Knot Yours Truly

Your wedding day is a unique opportunity to show the world just who you are as a couple. The Knot Yours Truly helps you envision your celebration—from the big decisions like venue to the small stuff like escort cards—and show off your particular style. Chock-full of fresh ideas for your ceremony, centerpieces, wedding cake, The Knot’s Yours Truly also includes 20 craft projects for personalizing your day. From invitation embellishments to a macrame leash for your four-legged ring bearer, this book has everything you need for the most extraordinary day.

My thoughts: When I was getting married, I loved looked to the Knot for inspiration, so I was thrilled to grab this book to review and pass on to my sister in law! I love that there are so many beautiful ideas in the book, as well as a mix of crafts and real stories and pictures. This book has so many great thoughts on how to figure out what your perfect wedding looks like and how to breath life into that dream. I highly recommend this book for brides (and grooms)!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

No One Ever Asked

Challenging perceptions of discrimination and prejudice, this emotionally resonant drama for readers of Lisa Wingate and Jodi Picoult explores three different women navigating challenges in a changing school district--and in their lives.

When an impoverished school district loses its accreditation and the affluent community of Crystal Ridge has no choice but to open their school doors, the lives of three very different women converge: Camille Gray--the wife of an executive, mother of three, long-standing PTA chairwoman and champion fundraiser--faced with a shocking discovery that threatens to tear her picture-perfect world apart at the seams. Jen Covington, the career nurse whose long, painful journey to motherhood finally resulted in adoption but she is struggling with a happily-ever-after so much harder than she anticipated. Twenty-two-year-old Anaya Jones--the first woman in her family to graduate college and a brand new teacher at Crystal Ridge's top elementary school, unprepared for the powder-keg situation she's stepped into. Tensions rise within and without, culminating in an unforeseen event that impacts them all. This story explores the implicit biases impacting American society, and asks the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human? Why are we so quick to put labels on each other and categorize people as "this" or "that", when such complexity exists in each person?

My thoughts: This book is excellent! I love that the story is written from three very different perspectives, one of a privileged PTA mom, a new mother of an adopted child, and a new teacher. There are so many different facets to this story, making it easy to relate to and hard to put down! This book cemented Katie as one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend ordering a copy of this book!
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for books in exchange for my honest review.
This post contains affiliate links.

God Gave Us Family

Little Pup’s wolf family is on their way to a special reunion—with lots of cousins, games, roasting marshmallows, and fun! As the young wolf thinks about different kinds of families, it’s the perfect opportunity for Mama and Papa to teach their inquisitive child about the families that God brings together. Some families are big and others are small, some are led by grandparents or just one parent, and some families include adopted little ones– yet each family is truly special.

My thoughts: This is a wonderful book for kids that shows that family can come in all shapes and sizes. I love that it shows how there can be more to a family than what you think, they are the ones who love and care for you. This book is darling! We have enjoyed the others in this series, but this one may be my favorite yet.
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Grand Central Market Cookbook

Founded in 1917, Grand Central Market is a legendary food hall in Downtown Los Angeles that brings together the many traditions and flavors of the city. Now, GCM’s first cookbook puts the spotlight on unique recipes from its diverse vendors, bringing their authentic tastes to your home kitchen. From Horse Thief BBQ’s Nashville-Style Hot Fried Chicken Sando to Madcapra’s Sumac Beet Soda to Golden Road’s Crunchy Avocado Tacos, here are over 85 distinctive recipes, plus spectacular photography that shows off the food, the people, and the daily bustle and buzz. Stories about the Market’s vibrant history and interviews with its prominent customers and vendors dot the pages as well. Whether you’ve visited and want to make your favorite dishes at home, or are simply looking for a cookbook that provides a plethora of multi-national cuisine, The Grand Central Market Cookbook is sure to make your kitchen just a little bit cooler.

My thoughts: For years, my family had a booth at a local farmers market, so I have a bit of a soft spot for them.;) I love the variety of products, color, and people that you can find at a farmers market. This cookbook makes me excited to once again visit a
market and enjoy the culture and food. This book is a great one to pick up to get one excited about markets and CSA's! I highly recommend the flavorful recipes and lovely photography!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Start Where You Are note cards

Self-exploration is not a solitary journey--often, it's the interactions we have with others that teach us the most about ourselves. These notecards, filled with inspirational quotes and Meera Lee Patel's resonant illustrations, are the consumate expression of the interpersonal side of introspection, the perfect token to send a friend or person in your life who you want to thank, who is going through a rough time, or whom you want to encourage. These note cards come in our standard format, a keepsake box housing 12 cards--each with a different quote illustrated by Meera--and 12 envelopes.

My thoughts: I have always had a soft spot for lovely stationery, so I was thrilled to get these in the mail today! I love that each of the cards has a different watercolor and quote on them. Quotes are another favorite of mine, so these cards are the perfect combination for me! I love the encouraging messages on the cards, from "Courage, dear heart"- C.S. Lewis to "Fears are paper tigers"- Amelia Earhart. This is a delightful set of note cards to encourage those you know.
I received this set of cards from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Rewordable

· The Kickstarter-funded, uniquely fragmented word game
· Carefully crafted to make it easy to form longer, more common words
· Intuitive and fun for 2-8 players of all skill levels (ages 8 and up)
· Includes 120 cards, 16 tokens, and nifty fold-out rules and poster
· Variable deck with a fresh linguistic experience every game


Every letter counts in a game of Rewordable. Each of the 120 cards has been selected for optimal word crafting. Build a new word and be rewarded. Or add to other players’ words to steal their points. Create the largest lexicon of words by the end of the game to become the Rewordable champion.

Includes:
· 120 cards with one-, two-, and three-letter sequences, selected through linguistic research, computational analysis, and extensive playtesting
· 16 tokens add different goals, strategies, and rewards to every game
· Nifty fold-out rules with easy to follow how-to-play diagrams

My thoughts: I love words and I enjoy games, so I was thrilled to have a chance to get this game to play! It is a fun twist on most word games, since you get to make up words and add to others, seeking to win the most tokens for your word combinations. This is a great game for ages 8 on up and you need not love words to enjoy playing it!
I received this game from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Dream-Centered Life

Wake Up to Bigger Dreams!

Have you stopped pursuing the life of your dreams? Did someone or something steal the passions that made your heart beat fast?

It's possible--for the first time or once again--to become that wide-eyed, visionary dream-chaser!

It starts by realizing that God has specific, amazing plans for you. Once you discover what drives you at the deepest level, you'll overcome any barrier that stands between you and your new reality.

The Dream-Centered Life isn't about wishful thinking. It offers practical ways to be an effective dreamer, no matter where your starting point. Through personal experiences and fresh insights from world-class dreamers, Luke Barnett discusses these and other topics:

- Where do dreams begin?
- Characteristics of a dreamer
- Habits of dreamers
- Dream lifters
- Dream busters
- Dreaming with confidence

Are you ready to discover--and live--your God-sized dream?

My thoughts: I needed this book! I love how it offers encouragement to help the reader hone their dreams and go after the ones that are from God's own heart. I think that this is a great book to read for personal dreams, but I also felt like it was a wonderful book to read as a parent, to help one encourage the dreams in your children.
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Jane of Austin

“Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience - or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope.”
― Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility


Just a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives, Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop. The last thing Jane wants is to leave their beloved shop on Valencia Street, but when Celia insists on a move to Austin, Texas, the sisters pack up their kid sister Margot and Jane’s tea plants, determined to start over yet again.

But life in Austin isn’t all sweet tea and breakfast tacos. Their unusual living situation is challenging and unspoken words begin to fester between Jane and Celia. When Jane meets and falls for up-and-coming musician Sean Willis, the chasm grows deeper.

While Sean seems to charm everyone in his path, one person is immune – retired Marine Captain Callum Beckett. Callum never meant to leave the military, but the twin losses of his father and his left leg have returned him to the place he least expected—Texas.

In this modern spin on the Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, the Woodward sisters must contend with new ingredients in unfamiliar kitchens, a dash of heartbreak, and the fragile hope that maybe home isn't so far away.

My thoughts: Hillary is one of my favorite authors, so I was thrilled to see that she was coming out with this modern spin on Sense and Sensibility! I thought she did a wonderful job of putting a modern spin on the classic story. It's fun to match up the characters from the classic with the ones in this modern re-telling. I highly recommend adding this one to your beach bag, since it is a fun read!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Road to Paradise

In 1927, Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills.
When Margie's former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer's plans might put more than just the park in danger."

My thoughts: I have read most of Karen's other books and highly recommend them! I was thrilled to see that this book kicks off a new series for her, one that shows us the beauty of a National Park in the roaring 20's. I loved getting to know the characters and the story is a delightful, fast pace one. I highly recommend this book for a summer reading list! I look forward to seeing where this series goes.;)
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Peace in the Valley

n spite of their differences, Trey Walker Stafford knows he owes his life to cowboy and legendary rancher Sam Stafford--the uncle who rescued him after his parents' death. Trey had left the Double S Ranch to pursue music against Sam's wishes, but returns to central Washington when he learns he's the best match for a procedure that could save Sam's life. Although Trey's found country music fame and success, he's also endured the tragic loss of his wife. He croons about love, but struggles with a yawning emptiness he can't explain.

Overwhelmed by a growing list of challenges, but mistrustful of Stafford men, single mother Lucy Carlton reluctantly accepts Trey's help to revive her crumbling farm when Sam instructs him to repay the overdue debt to her family.

As the two grow closer, Trey slowly begins to open his heart to this beautiful woman and strives to let go of the grief he's held for years. Lucy has a complicated history of her own. Can Trey accept her as she is, learn to forgive the past, and find the elusive peace he's sought for so long?

My thoughts: This series has been amazing! I hadn't read any of Ruth's books prior to the Double S Ranch series, but now I feel like I have been missing out.
The third book focuses on Trey's journey. The most sensitive of the brothers, Trey funnels his emotions into his music all the while feeling a little lost.
This series is not to be missed!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Whole Thing Together

A beautifully written novel about love, class differences, and betrayal playing out over the course of a fractured American family’s Long Island summer from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Brashares, author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.

“A gorgeously written novel on love, loss and family.” —NICOLA YOON, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything

Summer for Sasha and Ray means the sprawling old house on Long Island. Since they were children, they’ve shared almost everything—reading the same books, running down the same sandy footpaths to the beach, eating peaches from the same market, laughing around the same sun-soaked dining table. Even sleeping in the same bed, on the very same worn cotton sheets. But they’ve never met.

Sasha’s dad was once married to Ray’s mom, and together they had three daughters: Emma, the perfectionist; Mattie, the beauty; and Quinn, the favorite. But the marriage crumbled and the bitterness lingered. Now there are two new families—and neither one will give up the beach house that holds the memories, happy and sad, of summers past.

The choices we make come back to haunt us; the effect on our destinies ripples out of our control . . . or does it? This summer, the lives of Sasha, Ray, and their siblings intersect in ways none of them ever dreamed, in a novel about family relationships, keeping secrets, and most of all, love.

My thoughts: This one has an interesting premise, two young people who were step siblings, but are now just tied together by their half siblings and a vacation home. I like that there are a lot of characters in the story and that they all have their own journeys going. Fans of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants will enjoy that aspect.
I didn't care for some of the language and the typical teenage stuff, but otherwise it is an interesting story. Not her best, but still interesting.
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Radical Spirit

Feeling burnt-out from life, strung-out from social media, and put out by a society that always wants more from you? Beloved nun and social activist Joan Chittister, who appeared on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday, offers a practical, character-building, and inspirational guide to help you take control of your emotional life and redirect your spiritual destiny.

Joan Chittister, whom Publishers Weekly calls "one of the most well-known and trusted contemporary spiritual authors," is a rabble-rousing force of nature for social justice, and a passionate proponent of personal faith and spiritual fulfillment. Drawing on little known, ancient teachings of the saints, Sister Joan offers a practical program to help transform our thinking and rebel against our fears, judgments and insecurities.

"Freedom from anxiety, worry, and tensions at home and work, comes when we give ourselves to something greater," she argues. "We need to seek wisdom rather than simply facts, to think before speaking, and in turn create respectful communities." With a series of twelve simple rules for healthy spiritual living, Chittister not only reminds us, but pleads with us, to develop enduring values by shifting our attention to how God wants us to live. This book will teach you how to accomplish this.

My thoughts: This is the first book I have read by Joan Chittister. When I saw that she is a force for social justice, something that seems to be a theme with a lot of the books I have been reading, I had to pick this book up. This book is excellent. This book is inspiring and came at a timely manner for me. I look forward to reading more by her!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

We the People

What would the Founding Fathers think about America today? Over 200 years ago the Founders broke away from the tyranny of the British Empire to build a nation based on the principles of freedom, equal rights, and opportunity for all men. But life in the United States today is vastly different from anything the original Founders could have imagined in the late 1700s. The notion of an African-American president of the United States, or a woman such as Condoleezza Rice or Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, would have been unimaginable to the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, or who ratified the Constitution or the Bill of Rights.
In a fascinating work of history told through a series of in depth profiles, prize-winning journalist, bestselling author, and Fox political analyst Juan Williams takes readers into the life and work of a new generation of American Founders, who honor the original Founders' vision, even as they have quietly led revolutions in American politics, immigration, economics, sexual behavior, and reshaped the landscape of the nation.
Among the modern-day pioneers Williams writes about in this compelling new book are the passionate conservative President Reagan; the determined fighters for equal rights, Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King, Jr.; the profound imprint of Rev. Billy Graham's evangelism on national politics; the focus on global human rights advocated by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; the leaders of the gay community who refused to back down during the Stonewall Riots and brought gay life into America's public square; the re-imagined role of women in contemporary life as shaped by Betty Friedan.
Williams reveals how each of these modern-day founders has extended the Founding Fathers original vision and changed fundamental aspects of our country, from immigration, to the role of American labor in the economy, from modern police strategies, to the importance of religion in our political discourse.
America in the 21st Century remains rooted in the Great American experiment in democracy that began in 1776. For all the changes our economy and our cultural and demographic make-up, there remains a straight line from the first Founders' original vision, to the principles and ideals of today's courageous modern day pioneers.

My thoughts: This is an interesting read on the modern founding fathers of America and how they have helped to change the country for the better. The style is engaging and I enjoyed the chapters on Eleanor Roosevelt and the fight for universal human rights. I also enjoyed the chapters on Civil Right leaders and Women rights. This book is just under 400 pages, and yet it didn't seem that long, since it is an easy and informative read. I highly recommend it!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Eleanor

1985. The death of Eleanor's twin sister tears her family apart. Her father blames her mother for the accident. When Eleanor's mother looks at her, she sees only the daughter she lost. Their wounded family crumbles under the weight of their shared grief.

1993. Eleanor is fourteen years old when it happens for the first time... when she walks through an ordinary door at school and finds herself in another world. It happens again and again, but it's only a curiosity until that day at the cliffs. The day when Eleanor dives... and something rips her out of time itself.

And on the other side, someone is waiting for her.


My thoughts: This is an interesting story about grief and depression! While it is labeled as a YA title, some of the topics are pretty heavy and perhaps geared towards a more mature audience.
I like how this book starts out telling the story of two young women, one who battles with depression and feels the ocean calling to her, and the other (a couple of generations later) who loses her twin sister. Some of the trips down the rabbit hole were hard to wrap my mind around, but it all comes together in the end! This is an interesting book, and I look forward to reading more by Jason Gurley!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Inkblots

The captivating, untold story of Hermann Rorschach and his famous inkblot test

In 1917, working alone in a remote Swiss asylum, psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach devised an experiment to probe the human mind: a set of ten carefully designed inkblots. For years he had grappled with the theories of Freud and Jung while also absorbing the aesthetic movements of the day, from Futurism to Dadaism. A visual artist himself, Rorschach had come to believe that who we are is less a matter of what we say, as Freud thought, than what we see.

After Rorschach’s early death, his test quickly made its way to America, where it took on a life of its own. Co-opted by the military after Pearl Harbor, it was a fixture at the Nuremberg trials and in the jungles of Vietnam. It became an advertising staple, a cliché in Hollywood and journalism, and an inspiration to everyone from Andy Warhol to Jay Z. The test was also given to millions of defendants, job applicants, parents in custody battles, and people suffering from mental illness or simply trying to understand themselves better. And it is still used today.

In this first-ever biography of Rorschach, Damion Searls draws on unpublished letters and diaries and a cache of previously unknown interviews with Rorschach’s family, friends, and colleagues to tell the unlikely story of the test’s creation, its controversial reinvention, and its remarkable endurance—and what it all reveals about the power of perception. Elegant and original, The Inkblots shines a light on the twentieth century’s most visionary synthesis of art and science.

My thoughts: The Inkblot test has played an interesting part in history, showing up during a lot of historical events after being developed. This is an interesting biography to read, whether you are into psychology or not. Engaging and interesting, this book is well written!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Talking With God

Life is crazy. Prayer is simple.
Prayer seems like it should be so simple. Yet, when it comes to actually praying, often it feels awkward and complicated.
I mean ... what should you actually pray about? What do you say?
Is there anything you should or shouldn t say? Do you have to speak out loud? Where do you even start?
To make matters worse, we ve heard about prayer for so longthatwefeel awkward asking about it. It s like having to ask a person s name after knowing them for years. Becausewereallyshould know their name by now, we feel embarrassed toask.
Then comes the reality and craziness of life. Between work, changing diapers, walking the dog, a full inbox, trying to keep up with our neighbors and the laundry, who has time to pray?
The truth is, prayer is simple.
It s like talking. Talking with a good friend. And what we may not know is the best part: no matter where we are in life, God can t wait to talk with us.
What does it look like to pray in the midst of your life?
What do you say when you don t know how to pray?
I m asking the same questions.
Let s talk."

My thoughts: It seems like my focus for this year in my non fiction reading has been prayer, since the women's group I am in at church is doing the Draw the Circle devotional that is 40 days of prayer (which, is a wonderful devotional and a great way to start the new year, but I digress!). This is an excellent book to accompany the others that I have been reading. I appreciate how easy this one is to get through and that Adam is so very open about the questions he has had and the storms his faith has weathered. This book is engaging and excellent!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Women of Easter

his Season of Grace,
Deepen Your Faith in God
Who So Loved the World
that He Gave Us His Son.

You’re about to meet three women named Mary, each of whom has a life-changing encounter with Jesus. Mary of Bethany prepares the way for the Lord’s burial when she anoints His feet and fills the air with her perfume. His mother, Mary of Nazareth, remains by His side from His first breath to His last, her loyalty unwavering. Mary Magdalene, delivered of seven demons, bravely supports her Teacher through His darkest hours, then proclaims the glorious news of His resurrection.

What a trio. What a Savior!

Your mind and emotions will be engaged and your faith strengthened as each scene unfolds, preparing your heart for a richer, deeper Easter experience. Liz Curtis Higgs, a seasoned Bible teacher and award-winning novelist, combines her storytelling skills with a thorough verse-by-verse study of Scripture as together you explore the remarkable lives of The Women of Easter.

"The perfect companion for Easter and beyond!"
—Jennie Allen, visionary of IF:Gathering

“Liz Curtis Higgs is one of the most amazing teachers of God’s Word that I have ever experienced. Her in-depth knowledge of the Scriptures, gifting as a communicator, and personal relationship with the Lord make her unmatched in the ability to take biblical truth and make it applicable to anybody.”
—Priscilla Shirer, New York Times best-selling author of Fervent

"The Lord's resurrection is the most glorious, victorious moment in history. You and I will watch these ancient scenes unfold through the eyes of the three women who were mitnesses, who were there. Just the though gives me goose bumps. All three Marys will show us what happens when we encounter a loving Savior and are transformed. That's what Lent is all about. A time of renewal. A season of grace."
—Liz Curtis Higgs

My thoughts: This is such a wonderful Bible study to pick up as we approach Easter! I love how Liz brings to life the women in the Bible with her books. This one was so good, such an emotional journey as it talks about the Marys and their relationships with the Savior. I think this is an excellent book to do on your own, but would also be enjoyable to do with a group during the Lent season. Liz does a wonderful job of drawing our hearts closer to the Savior. Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

A Shadow Bright and Burning

I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?

My thoughts: I wasn't sure what I would think of this book, since I have read mixed reviews on it. I know that some others thought that the book didn't live up to it's potential, but those other reviewers have read a lot of books set in old England. I haven't. I thought that this book was interesting and feel like the next book will truly cement how I feel about the series. I feel like this one was a good start!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Junie B. Jones first ever musical edition!

Junie B. Jones The Musical is a hit! Listen to the full cast album and the audiobook of Junie B. Jones, First Grader (at last!).

Being in first grade means having to get used to a whole new classroom. And a whole new teacher. And a whole new bunch of strange children. But here's the worst thing of all: When Junie B. tries to read words on the chalkboard…she can’t! Is it possible that Junie B. needs glasses?

This special audiobook edition of Junie B. Jones, First Grader (at last!) contains all the songs from Junie B. Jones The Musical. The musical is adapted from the books Junie B. Jones, First Grader (at Last!); Junie B. Jones, Boss of Lunch; Junie B. Jones, One-Man Band; and Top Secret Personal Beeswax, A Journal by Junie B. (and Me), by Barbara Park. © 2001, 2001, 2002, 2002, 2003 by Barbara Park.

Song list:
1. Top Secret Personal Beeswax
2. Lucille, Camille, Chenille
3. You Can Be My Friend
4. Time to Make a Drawing
5. You Need Glasses
6. Show and Tell
7. Now I See
8. Lunch Box
9. Gladys Gutzman, Queen of Snacks
10. Kickball Tournament
11. Sheldon Potts’ Halftime Show
12. When Life Gives You Lemons
13. Kickball Tournament (Reprise)
14. When Life Gives You Lemons (Reprise)
15. Writing Down the Story of My Life

My thoughts: With a toddler, I feel like this is just the start of books like Junie B. Jones making it into our home!;) This audio book is so much fun. I know that Junie B. Jones is a huge hit with kids, so new and old fans alike will enjoy this audio book and the music that is included. This is such fun!
I received this audio book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

A Boy Called Christmas

Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meets Elf in this warmhearted Christmas caper.

Eleven-year-old Nikolas—nicknamed “Christmas”—has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he’s happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.

Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their own: Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things—if only he can reach his father before it’s too late. . . .

Sparkling with wit and warmth, A Boy Called Christmas is a cheeky new Christmas classic-in-the-making from acclaimed author Matt Haig and illustrator Chris Mould.

My thoughts: This one is kind of a fun little story, even though it is nothing like the actual legend of St. Nick.;) Written in the style of Lemony Snicket, I recommend this story for readers who are a wee bit older, since some of the humor strikes me as being for older children, like 9-10 on up. If you enjoy A Series of Unfortunate Events, then you will love this story of a boy who holds on to hope and kindness even when the world disappoints.
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.